Wayne Rooney’s decision to retire from international football with England has been backed by former manager of the Three Lions, Sam Allardyce, who called it a ‘fantastic move’, according to talkSports.
The former United captain on Wednesday turned down a recall to the England setup preferring instead to call it quits with the team.
Speaking on the decision during the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast show, which he co-hosted, Allardyce says it is a call that will benefit not just Rooney but his club, Everton, in the long term.
“Every year, he has had an international call-up unless he was injured and he’s had three weeks max(imum) rest in between seasons and that takes a toll in the end,” Allardyce said.
“Wayne wants to play for as long as he possibly can, so, I think it’s a fantastic move.
“It is international week next week and for the first time for a long time, he will have a break. He will have a rest and can recharge.
“He has started the season brilliantly with Everton, and for me, it will be a good thing for them and for him,” he added.
Rooney, who rejoined boyhood club Everton this summer, retired as England’s highest ever scorer, with 53 goals, and the most capped outfield player, with 119 caps to his name.